Susan P. Alverson

The board discussed and approved a pharmacy services permit for LMC Med Consults LLC, which includes both on-site and remote services aimed at improving patient health outcomes through collaborations with independent pharmacies and primary care providers. The treasurer provided a report on fiscal year financials, highlighting that total revenues were at 75.44% of the annual budget, and introduced a new spreadsheet to aid future treasurers in tracking expenditures. Additionally, the wellness committee provided an update on the number of pharmacy health professionals currently being monitored.

The board discussed the wellness program, which focuses on providing evaluations and treatment for healthcare professionals struggling with addiction or mental health issues. A presentation was provided by Aspen Pharmacy, which is seeking a pharmacy services permit to facilitate patient access to specialty medications through a non-dispensing hub model. The board approved the permit for Aspen Pharmacy contingent upon the submission of a policy and procedure manual. Finally, the treasurer provided a financial report, noting that expenditures for building, equipment, and grounds are currently exceeding budget projections due to maintenance contracts and repair costs.

The meeting commenced with introductions and an invocation, followed by the pledge of allegiance. The agenda was adopted unanimously. Minutes for the January 26 business meeting and interview meeting were approved. A key discussion item involved a presentation for a pharmacy services permit for EP Pharmacy Consultants, detailing plans for remote patient physiologic monitoring and chronic care monitoring for conditions like hypertension and diabetes, including protocols for patient onboarding, data transmission via cellular-enabled devices, and handling out-of-range vital signs in consultation with contracting physicians. The Wellness Committee report detailed the status of pharmacists and students in the program, including instances of relapse, treatment, voluntary surrenders, and evaluations. The Treasurer's report provided a fiscal year update through January 31, 2026, noting high revenue percentages due to licensing fee renewals. The Chief Investigator's report highlighted 149 compliant inspections with zero resulting complaints, 24 complaints received and investigated, and two cases referred to legal counsel. The report also covered recent pharmacy burglaries and robberies, and investigators' attendance at professional training sessions. A discussion followed regarding the status and evaluation criteria for replacement of board vehicles.

The meeting commenced with acknowledgments of new board members joining the committee. Key discussions involved the approval of previous minutes from December hearings and business meetings, and interview minutes from December. The wellness committee report detailed the status of pharmacists and students undergoing monitoring or treatment for various issues, including relapse and substance abuse evaluations, with specific mention of ongoing concerns regarding compliance and necessary next steps. The treasurer's report provided updates on revenue (64.73% of budget) and expenses, clarifying that housekeeping expenditures were budget-neutral due to internal allocation adjustments. The chief investigator's report highlighted statistical activity for December, including inspections and investigations. A significant portion of the discussion focused on an increase in pharmacy burglaries statewide, prompting an appeal for pharmacies to immediately report all incidents, including those where no theft occurred, to aid in pattern identification and suspect apprehension. Furthermore, the board addressed the immediate need to replace four to five aging vehicles from the fleet, which currently has no spares, and authorized the Chief Investigator to proceed with obtaining compliant bids within the established budget.

The meeting included presentations on remote order verification and processing. The treasurer's report and BOP Wellness Committee report were reviewed. There was a discussion and potential action on amended rules concerning prescriptions by electronic means, fees for pharmacy permits, and immunization training, as well as updates on off-site vaccine order entry processing and Palmetto Infusion Services. The board addressed the renewal of contracts, amending statutes for Interns/Externs, reviewing the Budget for 2022, and resubmitting emergency rules related to pharmacy off-site orders, emergency prescription refills, and institutional pharmacies. Additionally, they considered proposed new emergency rules for temporary technician vaccination authorization and temporary pharmacist practice licenses, along with an amended rule for non-disciplinary penalties for late license renewals.